A Loving Tribute
Dennis H. Epp
March, 1938 – November, 2024
Submitted by Barbara Epp Dunn
Sunrise: March/1938 Sunset: November/2024
Dennis “Denny” Epp was born on Long Island New York to Dorothy Wilson (deceased) and Gustav Epp (deceased). Through no circumstance he created, Denny was separated from his biological family and grew up on a working boys’ farm. Dorothy later married Warren Zeh (deceased), who became the main paternal figure in Denny’s adult life. From a rambunctious farm boy who later was reunited with his family, Denny grew up and joined the Army National Guard at age 20 and got married at age 23. Denny worked as a lineman by trade, which moved the new family many times. Since his mom and brother were in Colorado, Denny settled the family in Loveland, CO in 1976. He became the Superintendent of the Electric department for the City of Loveland, CO. After retirement, he came out of retirement to drive a school bus in Loveland. He really loved transporting those kids! His dedication to the kids was acknowledged by the gifts of gratitude they created and presented, many of the gifts were kept as mementos long after he stopped driving.
Between retirements, Denny and his wife Marilyn, often accompanied by close friends, traveled all over the USA on various RV trips; their 1970 VW bug Herbie in tow!! Denny was an active member of the Loveland Elk’s Lodge BPOE #1051. He rose to Exalted ruler and held many other decorated ranks within the Elks Lodge hierarchy. He took his membership and duties of the Lodge very seriously. Denny was a Mason as well as a Moose Lodge member, but nothing rose to the pinnacle as did the Elks.
Denny loved watching sports of any type, with a special affinity for Baseball. Bluegrass was his music, Budweiser his beer, and with that combination, he sometimes played the spoons!!!
In 2021 Denny and Marilyn moved to Grand Junction CO, where their daughter(s) reside. Denny and Marilyn raised two daughters: Karen Hughes (Greg), and Barbara Epp (Benesh) Dunn. Karen preceded Denny in death many years ago. His only granddaughter Kristina (Hughes) Crabtree passed from this world earlier this year.
A long life was fulfilled and Denny found peace later this year.
Denny is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn (Braun) Epp, daughter Barbara Epp Dunn (Dirk); grandchildren Dallas Benesh, (step) Brandon Dunn, Chad Hughes (Jess), Matthew Hughes (Tina); three great-grandchildren, Trinity Hughes, Alivia Hughes, and Ronin Crabtree, brother James Epp, nieces Kim (Epp) Fancher (“Jack”), Lauren (Epp) Lee (Jerry), and nephew Gregory Epp (Jennifer).
Denny’s wish is to be cremated. A memorial and celebration of life service may be determined at a future date.
Consider a charitable donation (of your choice) in his memory! Grow something! Gather together and raise a glass! SKAL! Denny would want you to remember him, simply that. Keep your memories of him with you and share with one another.
In loving memory of Dennis H. Epp
You can also donate by mail. Send a check to:
HopeWest
3090 N. 12th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81506